Leuellent History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Leuellent surname is derived from the Welshpersonal name Llewellyn, which was also spelled Llywelin. This name is often explained as meaning lion-like, but is in fact probably derived from the Welsh word "llyw," which means leader. The Welsh double l was a constant source of trouble to English speakers, and was often translated "f." "A very ancient Welshpersonal name, borne by many princes and magnates of Celtic origin." [1]CITATION[CLOSE]Lowe, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.

Early Origins of the Leuellent family

The surname Leuellent was first found in Pembrokeshire (Welsh: Sir Benfro), a county in south-west Wales, anciently part of the Welsh kingdom of Deheubarth. The most famous and oldest reference of the name was Dafydd ap Llywelyn (c.1212-1246), Prince of Gwynedd from 1240 to 1246, the first ruler to claim the title Prince of Wales. His father was Llywelyn the Great (Welsh: Llywelyn Fawr) (c. 1172-1240), Prince of Gwynedd in north Wales who eventually became ruler over most of Wales. "Davydd ab Llewelyn died at Aber, about 1246, and was buried in the abbey of Conway." [2]CITATION[CLOSE]Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of Wales. Institute of Historical Research, 1849, Print.

Over in Aberedow, South Wales "Llewelyn's Cave, is said to have been occasionally used as an asylum by that brave, but unfortunate, prince, Llewelyn ab Grufydd, the last royal defender of Welsh liberty and independence, against the overpowering army of Edward I." [2]CITATION[CLOSE]Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of Wales. Institute of Historical Research, 1849, Print.

Early History of the Leuellent family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Leuellent research.Another 127 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1066, 1500, 1380 and 1415 are included under the topic Early Leuellent History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Leuellent Spelling Variations

Compared to other ancient cultures found in the British Isles, the number of Welsh surnames are relatively few, but there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations. These spelling variations began almost as soon as surname usage became common. People could not specify how to spell their own names leaving the specific recording up to the individual scribe or priest. Those recorders would then spell the names as they heard them, causing many different variations. Later, many Welsh names were recorded in English. This transliteration process was extremely imprecise since the Brythonic Celtic language of the Welsh used many sounds the English language was not accustomed to. Finally, some variations occurred by the individual's design: a branch loyalty within a family, a religious adherence, or even patriotic affiliations were indicated by spelling variations of one's name. The Leuellent name over the years has been spelled Flewelling, Flewellen, Llewellen, Llewillan, Llewellyn, Alewellyin, Flewellyn, Flywillan, Fleuellan, Llewallin, Llewallyn, Flewellan, Flewellin, Llewellan, Lewellin, Lewellen, Lewillan, Lewellyn, Lywellen, Lywellin, Lewallin and many more.

Early Notables of the Leuellent family (pre 1700)

Prominent amongst the family during the late Middle Ages was Sir Dafydd ap Llewelyn ap Hywel (c. 1380-1415), better known as Dafydd Gam or Davy Gam, a Welsh medieval... Another 28 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Leuellent Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Leuellent family to the New World and Oceana

The Welsh began to emigrate to North America in the late 1800s and early 1900s in search of land, work, and freedom. Those that arrived helped shape the industry, commerce, and the cultural heritage of both Canada and the United States. The records regarding immigration and passenger show a number of people bearing the name Leuellent: Ann Flewelling who purchased land in Virginia in 1643 and in the same year Thomas Flewelling settled in a nearby piece of property.